Gear Box

[RGilliam]

anyone ever have a problem with a gear box leaking oil? I cant tell where its leaking from, buts its going somewhere. I filled it back to the middle of the site glass today, checked it later, it was low again. I can see where something has leaked out, just cant see where it is exactly leaking from!

 

[Kiloman]

The seal has gone bad take it apart and put a new seal on it you will be fixed in a flash.It leaks where it goes together on both sides.

 

[Vince Wood]

I had nothing but problems with gear drives. I finally got fed up and converted the machine over to belt drive. Now if I break a belt it's a 5 minute fix and not a 2 hour one.

 

[Paul Kassander]

If its on the pump side it's more than likely a shaft seal. If is on the pump side the oring may be bad or not making a good seal you can usually fix that with some silicone gasket maker. If its leaking in the middle just split the sides and use some silicone gasket sealer to fix it.

 

[Sirocco Jerry]

Gear Box leaks

I HATE gear box issues..
I ALLways tell the customer I'm not covering oil leaks, just to get'em switched to belt drive
I ALLways avoid things that are unreliable.
they were the most reliable component in the industry when they first came out 30 years ago..
since then, it seems tolerances are off, or the oil seals went to a cheaper material,
or something..
I refuse to use 'em over 16hp, and I recommend'em at 14hp MAX.

the only trouble I have had with 'em is oil leaks.
Honestly, I think the only difference between reliable and UNreliable
is using a Viton seal instead of a N-Buna standard seal.
I'm tempted to special-order some just to rescue a few "test-subjects"

..A more compact configuration is always ideal.

About Paul's suggestion to use silicone seal..
"Monkey-grip contact cement" (found with the tire-plugs at the auto-parts store) is even better,
but either is fine,
if you METICULOUSLY clean the surfaces with alcohol.
Do it RIGHT ONCE, and "repeat" nightmares go away.

 

[Paul Kassander]

Also thread lock all the nuts and bolts. especially the set screw on the inside gear thtat goes on the pump.

I like the tire plug idea Jerry I can see how that would work better than the oring. Thats why I silicone seal all the gaskets I never have leaks then on those.

 

[tomtucson]

I've had the set screw come loose often, thread locker or not, when brand new or cleaned with starter fluid. I think it's out right now and the gear in there can wander a little. Also it has consistently chinked up the drive shaft.